Glencoe man killed in traffic accident after trying to retrieve a tree

Royce Dunlap, 66, of Glencoe had stopped his vehicle in the highway's median and walked into the roadway to remove what appeared to be tree branches, according to a New Mexico State Police narrative. Another vehicle struck Dunlap as he attempted to remove the tree to the side of the road.

"He was trying to pull a Christmas tree off the road," said Lincoln County Emergency Services Director Travis Atwell. "A vehicle heading eastbound didn't see him."

Atwell said he and Glencoe Volunteer Fire Department Battalion Chief Nick Herrera attempted CPR on the unresponsive victim until medics arrived on the scene. Dunlap was then transported to the Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Dunlap was not cited as of Monday morning.